What Medications Are Safe to Take During Pregnancy?

The do’s and don’ts of pregnancy can be overwhelming. At Kernodle OB/GYN, we want to make your experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible by providing you the resources that you need.

One of the most common questions that our providers get asked is what over-the-counter medications are safe to take during pregnancy? Sometimes it’s a patient suffering from seasonal allergies or dealing with the common cold, other times it is to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms that can arise from pregnancy such as morning sickness.

To take the guesswork out of what you can or can’t take, here is our list of available over-the-counter medications that are safe to take during pregnancy:

• For Allergies
  • Benadryl
  • Claritin
  • Sudafed, only after the 1st trimester and for patients with normal blood pressure
  • Zyrtec
• Cold Symptoms
  • Chloraseptic spray
  • Chlortrimeton
  • Saline nasal spray/rinses
• Cough
  • Mucinex (including Mucinex DM)
  • Robitussin (including Robittusin DM)
  • Throat lozenges, if you are diabetic use sugar-free varieties only
• General Aches and Pains
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Stomach, Gastrointestinal or Constipation
  • Colace
  • Fibercon
  • Gax X
  • Metamucil
  • MiraLax
• Anti-Diarrheal
  • BRAT Diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast
  • Imodium
  • Maalox
  • Milk of Magnesia
  • Mylanta
• Heartburn / Antacids
  • Prilosec
  • Rolaids
  • Tums
  • Zantac
• Vaginal Concerns
  • Monistat 3- or 7-day cream (for yeast infections)

Although the medications above are considered safe to take during pregnancy, please be sure to read all instructions and only take them as directed. Please discuss with your provider if you are on prescription medication, take another OTC medication that is not on the list or if you take any herbal supplements.

Things to Avoid

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Aleve)
• Saccharin (i.e. Sweet’N Low)
• Limit artificial sweeteners such as Nutrasweet, Splenda and Truvia
• Non-prescription medications/drugs not listed above
• Alcohol
• Tobacco products of any kind
• Excessive caffeine (1 cup per day is okay)
• Hot tubs or saunas
• Douching
• Activities that may cause a fall such as horseback riding, snow or water skiing)

Contact Kernodle OB/GYN

These recommendations apply for the duration of your pregnancy and are in the best interest of your health and your baby’s health. Should you have questions or concerns at any time during your pregnancy, call Kernodle OB/GYN at (336) 538-2367.